Roger Federer to face Alejandro Falla at ATP Halle Open final

BERLIN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Roger Federer defeated Kei Nishikori in two straight sets 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) to reach the final in Halle for the ninth time on Saturday.

The six times Halle champions Roger Federer utilized a break point to seal the first set meanwhile 4th seeded Kei Nishikori fought back at the second set to force the former World No. 1 into the tiebreak. However, Federer was able to equalize their head-to-head record to 2-2.

The Swiss needed only one break point to pull away 4-2 before he reaped the first set 6-3. Federer took immediately the reins at the second set by breaking Nishikori's first game. Nevertheless, the Japanese remained unimpressed and responded with a re-break.

Both players failed to break the game once again therefore the tiebreak had to bring the decision at the second set. Roger Federer wrapped up the tiebreak 7-4 by courtesy of four straight points.

The former World No. 1 will encounter Colombian Alejandro Falla who overcame 2011 Halle champions Philipp Kohlschreiber in three sets. Federer has the chance to lift the Halle title for the seventh time and his 79th career title, which would be his second ATP title of the year.